The fight against fake news has taken a new turn in Ogun State as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, officially inaugurated the Ogun East Independent Chapel along with its pioneer executives.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, the Council Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, stressed the urgent need to safeguard journalism from quacks and unverified reporting that has plagued the profession in recent years.

He noted that Ogun East, particularly the Ijebu axis, has become a hotspot for fake reports due to the proliferation of unqualified media outfits. According to him, this has had damaging effects on both the political and social fabric of the state.

“This profession needs to be guided. The purveyors of fake news have dominated our space, and the only way to restore sanity is to empower real journalists who can defend and protect the integrity of the media,” Olanrewaju said.

The establishment of the Ogun East Chapel, he explained, is aimed at curbing the menace of phony journalists while promoting professionalism, credibility, and ethical reporting.

Also lending his voice, Comrade James Sowole, NUJ National Ex-Officio, described the move as a major step in sanitising the media landscape. He urged the new chapel leaders to uphold integrity and maintain the highest ethical standards in their practice.

While administering the oath of office, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, the State Secretary, reminded the newly sworn-in executives of their duty to remain disciplined, transparent, and cooperative, warning that the council would not tolerate any negative image.

The pioneer leaders of the Ogun East Independent Chapel include:

Comrade Oluseun Oduneye – Chairman

Comrade Charles Adegbite – Vice Chairman

Comrade Funmi Sulodu – General Secretary

Comrade Daniel Johnson – Treasurer

Comrade Ademola Ogunlana – Assistant General Secretary

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, expressed appreciation to the council for the trust placed in them, pledging that the executives would work collectively to achieve meaningful progress and strengthen the voice of authentic journalism in the region.

With this bold step, the NUJ hopes to reclaim the media space in Ogun East from the grip of misinformation and restore the dignity of the profession.